U.S. patent number 5,721,142 [Application Number 08/293,666] was granted by the patent office on 1998-02-24 for method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Texas A & M University System. Invention is credited to William Robert Klemm, Germain Francois Rivard.
United States Patent |
5,721,142 |
Klemm , et al. |
February 24, 1998 |
Method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles
Abstract
A method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles by
monitoring variations in the quantity of one or more low molecular
weight volatile compound having a molecular weight of less than 50
grams per mole present in a body constituent sample is disclosed.
Samples of a body constituent selected from the group of humoral
fluid, breath and body cavity air are collected from a female
mammal a multiple number of times during the reproductive cycle.
The quantity of a low molecular weight volatile compound in each
sample is measured. In the preferred embodiment, the low molecular
weight volatile compound, acetaldehyde, will be measured and
monitored. Variations in the quantity of the low molecular weight
volatile compound appearing in each sample is monitored to
determine the phase of the mammal's reproductive cycle and to
predict the occurrence of ovulation.
Inventors: |
Klemm; William Robert (Bryan,
TX), Rivard; Germain Francois (Philadelphia, PA) |
Assignee: |
Texas A & M University
System (College Station, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
23130028 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/293,666 |
Filed: |
August 22, 1994 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
436/65; 436/128;
436/161; 436/181; 436/900; 436/906; 600/551 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
10/0012 (20130101); G01N 33/5308 (20130101); Y10S
436/906 (20130101); Y10S 436/90 (20130101); Y10T
436/200833 (20150115); Y10T 436/25875 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
10/00 (20060101); G01N 33/53 (20060101); A61B
010/00 (); G01N 033/48 () |
Field of
Search: |
;436/63,65,128,161,174,181,900,906 ;128/738 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
Volatile constituents of human vaginal secretions, G. R. Huggins,
M.D. et al., American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol.
126, No. 1, pp. 129-136 (Sep. 1, 1976. .
Acetaldehyde As a Possible Marker & Predictor of Bovine Estrus,
W. R. Klemm, Texas A & M University, 8 pages, Beef Cattle
Research in Texas, 1992; Jul., 1993. .
Blood acetaldehyde fluctuates markedly during bovine estrous cycle,
W. R. Klemm, G. F. Rivard, B. A. Clement, Animal Reproduction
Science, 35:9-26 (1994). .
Gas Chromatographic Analysis and Estrous Diagnostic Potential of
Headspace Sampling Above Bovine Body Fluids, G. F. Rivard and W. R.
Klemm, Chemical Signals in Vertebrates VI, 115-118, Plenum Press,
New York, 1992..
|
Primary Examiner: Le; Long V.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Vaden, Eickenroht & Thompson,
L.L.P.
Government Interests
ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION
The invention described herein was made using federal funds and the
United States Department of Agriculture shall have the
non-exclusive right to practice the invention for government
purposes on behalf of the United States throughout the world.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles,
comprising the steps of:
(a) collecting a sample of a body constituent selected from the
group consisting essentially of humoral fluid, breath and body
cavity air from a female mammal;
(b) measuring the quantity of a low molecular weight volatile
compound subject to variation during the reproductive cycle in the
sample;
(c) repeating steps (a) and (b) over a predetermined period of time
during the female mammal's reproductive cycle; and
(d) monitoring variations in the quantity of the low molecular
weigh volatile compound measured to determine the phase of the
mammal's reproductive cycle and to predict ovulation.
2. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of claim
1, wherein the humoral fluid is selected from the group consisting
essentially of blood, vaginal secretions, saliva, urine, milk,
sweat, skin gland secretions, follicular fluid and air above the
humoral fluid.
3. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of claim
1, wherein the low molecular weight volatile compound has a
molecular weight of less than 50 grams per mole.
4. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of claim
1, wherein the low molecular weight volatile compound is
acetaldehyde.
5. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of claim
1, wherein step (a) further comprises separating the body
constituent sample into a nonvolatile compounds fraction and a
volatile compounds fraction.
6. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of claim
1, wherein the breath and body cavity air samples are collected
from outside of the mammal's body.
7. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of claim
1, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound is measured by head-space gas chromatography.
8. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of claim
1, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound is measured using a chemical reagent test.
9. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of claim
1, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound is measured using an electrochemical detector.
10. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of
claim 1, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound is measured using a biochemical reagent test.
11. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of
claim 1, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound is measured using immunochemical methods.
12. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of
claim 1, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound is measured using photochemical methods.
13. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of
claim 1, wherein the mammal is a primate and the quantity of the
low molecular weight volatile compound in the sample of body
constituent increases as compared to baseline several days prior to
baseline and then subsequently decreases to approximately baseline
within approximately 24 hours of ovulation, whereby the approximate
time of ovulation can be predicted.
14. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of
claim 1, wherein the mammal is a nonprimate and the quantity of the
low molecular weight volatile compound in the sample of body
constituent increases as compared to baseline and then subsequently
decreases to approximately baseline at approximately estrus.
15. The method for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles of
claim 1, wherein the quantity of more than one low molecular weight
volatile compound is measured.
16. A method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals,
comprising the steps of:
(a) collecting a sample of a body constituent selected from the
group consisting essentially of humoral fluid, breath, and body
cavity air from an animal a preselected number of times during
proestrus;
(b) measuring the quantity of a low molecular weight volatile
compound subject to variation during the reproductive cycle in the
samples collected; and
(c) monitoring variations in the quantity of the low molecular
weight volatile compound in the samples collected to predict the
onset of estrus and ovulation.
17. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound increases as compared to baseline and then subsequently
decreases to approximately baseline at approximately the onset of
estrus, whereby the occurrence of ovulation can be predicted.
18. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein the humoral fluid is selected from the group
consisting essentially of blood, vaginal secretions, saliva, urine,
milk, sweat, skin gland secretions, follicular fluid, and air above
the humoral fluid.
19. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein the low molecular weight volatile compound has a
molecular weight of less than 50 grams per mole.
20. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein the low molecular weight volatile compound is
acetaldehyde.
21. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein step (a) further comprises separating the sample
of body constituent into a nonvolatile compounds fraction and a
volatile compounds fraction.
22. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein the breath and body cavity air samples are
collected from outside of the animal's body.
23. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound is measured by head-space gas chromatography.
24. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound is measured using a chemical reagent test.
25. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound is measured using an electrochemical detector.
26. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals of
claim 16, wherein the quantity of more than one low molecular
weight volatile compound is measured.
27. A method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals in the
field, comprising the steps of:
(a) monitoring variations in the quantity of a low molecular weight
compound subject to variation during the reproductive cycle in a
sample of a body constituent selected from the group consisting
essentially of humoral fluid, breath, and body cavity air of an
animal during the reproductive cycle; and
(b) predicting estrus and ovulation in the animal based on the
variations in the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound present in the body constituent selected.
28. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals in
the field of claim 27, wherein the humoral fluid is selected from
the group consisting essentially of blood, vaginal secretions,
saliva, urine, milk, sweat, vulval skin gland secretions,
follicular fluid, and air above the humoral fluid.
29. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals in
the field of claim 27, wherein the low molecular weight volatile
compound has a molecular weight of less than 50 grams per mole.
30. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals in
the field of claim 27, wherein the low molecular weight volatile
compound is acetaldehyde.
31. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals in
the field of claim 27, wherein the body cavity air sample is
collected from outside of the animal's body near the vulva.
32. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals in
the field of claim 27, wherein the variations in the low molecular
weight volatile compound are monitored using a chemical reagent
test.
33. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals in
the field of claim 27, wherein more than one low molecular weight
volatile compound is monitored.
34. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals in
the field of claim 27, wherein the quantity of the low molecular
weight volatile compound in the sample of body constituent
increases several days prior to baseline as compared to baseline
and then subsequently decreases to approximately baseline within
approximately 24 hours of ovulation, whereby the approximate time
of ovulation can be predicted.
35. The method for predicting estrus and ovulation in animals in
the field of claim 27, wherein the quantity of the low molecular
weight volatile compound in the sample of body constituent
increases as compared to baseline and then subsequently decreases
to approximately baseline at approximately estrus.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to monitoring variations in the quantity of
low molecular weight volatile compounds present in body
constituents of mammals to determine phases of the reproductive
cycle and to predict the occurrence of ovulation. The invention
also relates to monitoring variations in the quantity of low
molecular weight volatile compounds present in body constituents of
animals to detect the onset of estrus and predict the occurrence of
ovulation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Monitoring reproductive cycles and predicting the time of ovulation
in mammals is of great importance to human reproduction and the
production of livestock and other animals. Means currently
available for detecting ovulation, however, have considerable
limitations. For example, surgical techniques for detecting
ovulation require that incisions be made so the corpus luteum of
the ovary can be observed for physical signs of ovulation. Such a
procedure is undesirable and has not gained widespread acceptance.
Moreover, clinical evaluations, such as monitoring pelvic
discomfort or monitoring basal body temperature are not widely
accepted because of the imprecision of the methods and their
unreliability for predicting ovulation.
Various biochemical and histological methods for detecting
ovulation are also available. Cyclic variations in the
concentrations of certain hormones appearing in the blood, such as
rises in serum estrogen with a rise in luteinizing hormone, are
known indicators of impending ovulation in humans. Measuring the
glucose concentration in cervical mucosa and measuring salivary
alkaline phosphatase levels have also been explored as methods for
detecting ovulation. Because of the risk of sample contamination
and the amount of technical expertise required to accurately
perform necessary collections and analyses, histological and
biochemical tests for predicting the occurrence of ovulation often
require trained personnel to perform the procedures. Many of these
methods, however, remain unreliable in predicting the onset of the
fertile period or the occurrence of ovulation.
Vaginal secretions have been monitored for the concentration of
volatile organic compounds having a molecular weight between 50 and
350 grams per mole for use as predictors of the fertile period and
ovulation. U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,494, "Method of Predicting and
Detecting Ovulation", Preti et al., Oct. 19, 1976. The
concentration of a particular volatile organic compound, such as
acetic or lactic acid, is used to diagnose the occurrence of
ovulation in the menstrual cycle. The compounds monitored have a
first increase in concentration just prior to the rise in serum
estrogens, thereby indicating the onset of the fertile period. At
least four days after the first increase, a second increase in the
volatile organic compound indicates the time of ovulation. This
method is estimated to be useful in accurately predicting the
fertile period and ovulation in approximately only 80% of the
female human population.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,010,738, "Method of Predicting and Detecting
Ovulation", Preti et al., Mar. 8, 1977, discloses monitoring urea
concentrations in vaginal secretions of mammals as a method of
diagnosing the onset of the fertile period or ovulation. As with
other methods known for monitoring various compounds in vaginal
secretions, the likelihood of contamination of the secretion with
other body secretions or feces is great. Moreover, urea
concentration is influenced by nutrition and digestion, and is not
a reliable indicator of reproductive cycle events.
Other methods for detecting the onset of the fertile period and
ovulation include monitoring the volatile sulfur content of mouth
air. U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,089, "Method of Predicting and Determining
Ovulation by Monitoring the Concentration of Volatile
Sulfur-Containing Compounds Present in Mouth Air", Preti et al.,
Oct. 10, 1978. The volatile sulfur content of mouth air is believed
to be a secondary characteristic which is responsive to elevated
levels of female sex hormones. A first marked increase in the
concentration of volatile sulfur compounds after menses is reported
as being predictive of ovulation. A second marked increase in
sulfur concentration is reported to be diagnostic of ovulation.
Although detection of volatile sulfur content of mouth air may in
some way be correlated to, or at least occurring at similar times
with particular periodontal conditions occurring at ovulation, the
volatile sulfur content of mouth air may also be influenced by
other systemic conditions. Thus, it may not be a reliable predictor
of ovulation.
Methods for determining the occurrence of estrus in cattle have
also been disclosed. Direct rectal palpation or ultrasonography of
the ovaries can be performed, however, it is not a viable choice
for use in the field by farmers and dairymen. Similarly, measuring
the pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum is not a
practical means for monitoring estrus by livestock producers. Other
means for detecting estrus, such as serum or milk progesterone
level measurement and electronic conductivity tests of
cervicovaginal mucus are not accurate and give only retrospective
evaluation of the reproductive cycle.
Cow vaginal secretions may be collected over time to determine a
significant increase in the amounts of an indicator compound in the
secretions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,814, "Method for Detecting Bovine
Estrus by Determining Methyl Heptanol Concentrations in Vaginal
Secretions", Preti et al., Aug. 28, 1984. The indicator compounds
are eight-carbon alcohols such as methyl-1-heptanols, particularly
6-methyl-1-heptanol. Specific quantities of the indicator compounds
are reported as indicative of estrus. The high risk of
contamination and the requirement that specific quantities of
compound be identified, as opposed to monitoring variations in
quantities, in order to predict estrus make such a method
undesirable for monitoring estrus cycles.
Volatile compounds present in blood have been investigated for use
as indicators of estrus. Klemm et al., Blood acetaldehyde
fluctuates markedly during bovine estrous cycle, In press, Anim.
Reprod. Sci.; Klemm, W. R., Acetaldehyde As a Possible Marker and
Predictor of Bovine Estrus, In press, Beef Cattle Research in
Texas. The low molecular weight compound acetaldehyde was found to
increase a few days before behavioral signs of estrus and decrease
markedly on the day of estrus or shortly thereafter. Methods for
measuring and monitoring acetaldehyde levels in blood or other
humoral fluids would allow estrus and/or ovulation in mammals to be
predicted.
There remains a great need for a simple, universally acceptable
method for detecting and diagnosing mammalian reproductive cycle
phases, particularly the occurrence of ovulation. While the
shortcomings of the methods discussed apply for mammalian species;
predicting ovulation in human females is even more difficult
because there are not clear behavioral signs that ovulation is
about to occur.
Accurately identifying the time of ovulation in mammals will
dramatically increase the likelihood that fertilization occurs and
offspring is produced. In cases of particular human medical
concerns, such as infertility, diagnosing the time of ovulation is
critical to conception. Accurately predicting ovulation will also
enable developing reliable rhythm-type birth control methods for
humans.
Predicting the occurrence of estrus and ovulation is economically
important to livestock breeders, particularly cattle breeders. In
order to increase milk production in dairy cattle, and maximize
offspring in both dairy and beef cattle, detection of estrus is
required. Detecting and predicting estrus and ovulation is
particularly important in dairy herds, where artificial
insemination is nearly exclusively used to produce fertilization.
Larger dairy herd sizes and rising labor costs further increase the
need for a method for easily and accurately detecting estrus.
Because bovine estrus (lordosis or standing mating behavior) is
short (1-18 hours, mean 4.4 hours), with ovulation occurring at
about 12 hours after the onset of estrus, there is a herd
management need to develop simple chemical tests for compounds that
could serve as biochemical markers and predictors of estrus and
ovulation. Identification of one or more compounds in a readily
accessible body constituent would be an important step in detecting
bovine estrus. The common practice of visual monitoring and
measuring blood progesterone as indexes of stage of estrus could
then be replaced by a more accurate method for detecting estrus and
ovulation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method for monitoring mammalian
reproductive cycles by monitoring variations in the quantity of one
or more low molecular weight volatile compound subject to variation
during the reproductive cycle present in a body constituent sample.
Samples of a body constituent selected from the group consisting
essentially of humoral fluid, breath and body cavity air, are
collected from a female mammal a multiple number of times during
the reproductive cycle. Humoral fluid samples can be selected from
the group consisting essentially of blood, vaginal secretions,
saliva, urine, milk, sweat, skin gland secretions, follicular
fluid, and the air above a humoral fluid. The quantity of a low
molecular weight volatile compound in the sample is measured by
using head-space gas chromatography, a chemical reagent test,
electrochemical detector, or other technique known for measuring
the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile compound present.
The low molecular weight volatile compound will have a molecular
weight of less than 50 grams per mole. In the preferred embodiment,
the low molecular weight volatile compound, acetaldehyde, will be
measured and monitored. Variations in the quantity of the low
molecular weight volatile compound appearing in each sample is
monitored to determine the phase of the mammal's reproductive cycle
and to predict the occurrence of ovulation.
The body constituent sample may be separated into a nonvolatile
compounds fraction and a volatile compounds fraction whereby the
volatile compound's fraction of the sample collected is analyzed.
Breath and body cavity air samples may be collected from within the
mouth or body cavity, respectively, or from the outside of the
mammal's body.
The body constituent samples may be taken from primates or
non-primates. Variations in the quantity of low molecular weight
volatile compound are monitored in primates to predict the
occurrence of ovulation, wherein the low molecular weight volatile
compound in the body constituent sharply increases over baseline
levels prior to ovulation and then decreases to approximately
baseline levels near or at the time of ovulation. The quantity of
low molecular weight volatile compound in the sample of the body
constituent of non-primates sharply increases over baseline levels
before estrus and decreases at approximately estrus. Monitoring the
variations in the quantity of low molecular weight volatile
compounds present in body constituent samples in nonprimates will
enable predicting the occurrence of ovulation and/or estrus.
Predicting estrus and ovulation in animals can be accomplished by
monitoring variations in the quantity of one or more low molecular
weight volatile compound subject to variation during the
reproductive cycle in a body constituent selected from the group
consisting essentially of humoral fluid, breath and body cavity
air. Humoral fluid can be selected from the group consisting of
blood, vaginal secretions, saliva, urine, milk, sweat, vulval, skin
gland secretions, follicular fluid and the air above a humoral
fluid. The low molecular weight compound measured in the body
constituent samples will have a molecular weight of less than 50
grams per mole. In the preferred embodiment, the low molecular
weight volatile compound, acetaldehyde, is measured and variations
monitored. The samples are collected a preselected number of times
during proestrus and the quantity of low molecular weight volatile
compound in each sample measured. Monitoring variations in the
quantity of the low molecular weight volatile compound can be used
to predict the onset of estrus and ovulation. The quantity of low
molecular weight volatile compound appearing in the body
constituent sample will sharply increase over baseline levels
shortly before estrus and decrease at approximately the onset of
estrus whereby the occurrence of ovulation can then be
predicted.
Samples of breath or body cavity air may be taken from the mouth or
the body cavity, respectively, or from outside the animal's body.
The quantity of low molecular weight volatile compound in a body
constituent sample may be measured using head-space gas
chromatography, a biochemical reagent test or other technique known
for measuring the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile
compound present.
The occurrence of ovulation in animals in the field may be
predicted by monitoring variations in the quantity of the low
molecular weight volatile compound in a body constituent during the
reproductive cycle. The quantity of low molecular weight compound
in the body constituent may be measured using a chemical reagent
test. A kit is provided comprising an air adsorption tube
containing an adsorbent with which the low molecular weight
volatile compound reacts. A pump having a flow control meter will
draw a body constituent sample through the air adsorption tube at a
calibrated rate so as to expose the air to the adsorbent, thereby
trapping the low molecular weight volatile compound. In the
preferred embodiment, 1-(hydroxymethyl) piperidine is the
adsorbent. In an alternate embodiment, di-nitrophenyl hydrazine may
be used as the adsorbent. In yet another embodiment,
1,3-cyclohexanedione may be used as the adsorbent. The quantity of
the low molecular weight volatile compound is measured using
ultraviolet spectroscopy techniques.
The quantity of low molecular weight compound in the body
constituent may also be measured using a kit comprising an
electrochemical detector and means for signalling a change in the
quantity of the low molecular weight volatile compound.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Body constituents, such as humoral fluids, breath and body cavity
air, may be collected multiple times over a predetermined period of
time from mammals and analyzed to measure the quantity of a low
molecular weight volatile compound or compounds subject to
variation during the reproductive cycle present in the body
constituent. Variations in the quantity of low molecular weight
volatile compound measured is used for monitoring the mammal's
reproductive cycles and to predict ovulation. Humoral fluids
include blood, vaginal secretions, saliva, urine, milk, sweat, skin
gland secretions, follicular fluid and the air above the humoral
fluid. For example, the air above or adjacent to a milk sample or
milk in bulk, can be analyzed to measure the quantity of low
molecular weight volatile compound present. Body cavity air may be
sampled from the lungs and reproductive tract, as well as other
body cavities.
The body constituents can be used as a source of one or more low
molecular weight volatile compounds, which provides a chemical
signal for determining and predicting the occurrence of ovulation
and other reproductive cycle events in mammals. Although one or
more body substance may be sampled and analyzed for one or more low
molecular weight compounds to monitor mammalian reproductive
cycles, for purposes of this discussion both body constituent and
low molecular weight compound will be discussed in the singular
form.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, body
constituent samples are collected from a selected mammal or group
of mammals multiple times during a reproductive cycle. Samples of
humoral fluids, breath and body cavity air may be taken directly,
using sampling protocols known to those skilled in the art. The
samples are then analyzed to monitor variations in the quantity of
low molecular weight compound present. Variations in the quantity
of low molecular weight compound can be used to monitor and predict
the occurrence of ovulation and/or estrus. In the alternative, the
air emitting from the body cavity of a mammal, such as the air
external to a mammal's vagina or reproductive cavity at the vulva,
may be sampled. As another alternative, samples of the air above a
humoral fluid can be collected for analysis.
The body constituent samples are analyzed to measure the quantity
of the low molecular weight volatile compound in the sample. Low
molecular weight volatile compound is used herein to refer to
small, volatile organic compounds having a molecular weight of less
than 50 grams per mole. The quantity of a low molecular weight
volatile compound may be expressed as concentration, parts per
million (ppm), or other standard quantitative expression, depending
upon the body constituent sampled and the analytical procedures
used to measure the quantity of the compound. Monitoring the
variations in the quantity of the low molecular weight compound
present in a sample can be used to determine and predict phases of
the reproductive cycle, such as the occurrence of ovulation. A
sharp and sudden increase in the quantity of the low molecular
weight volatile compound followed by a sharp and sudden decrease in
the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile compound in the
body constituent sample indicates that the mammal is at or near
ovulation and/or estrus. Body constituents of mammals will contain
a baseline (generally lower) quantity of low molecular weight
compounds subject to variation during the reproductive cycle during
the other phases of the cycle.
Body constituent samples may be analyzed using head-space gas
chromatography, chemical reagent tests, or electrochemical
detectors, as well as other analytical tools such as biochemical,
immunochemical and photochemical methods for measuring the quantity
of low molecular weight volatile compound. In the preferred
embodiment, body constituent samples are analyzed using head-space
gas chromatography following the protocol described in Example
I.
EXAMPLE I
Whole blood samples were collected during 18 estrous cycles from
five group-housed adult female cattle. The cattle were fed and
watered ad libitum, and observed daily between 08:00 and 10:00 h
for signs of standing heat behavior (mounting and standing for
being mounted). If needed, cows were also observed in late
afternoons near the expected time of estrus. Some of the cycles
were induced by hormone treatment consisting of two daily
injections of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) followed by an
injection of prostaglandin F2.varies. (PG) two days later. A total
of 164 samples were analyzed according to the following head-space
gas chromatography protocol to measure the quantity of the low
molecular weight volatile compound, acetaldehyde, having a
molecular weight of approximately 44 grams per mole. The blood
samples were collected in early morning by venipuncture.
The samples were prepared by placing a 10 ml aliquot of blood with
10% sodium citrate in a 30 ml injection vial, which was sealed with
a teflon-coated septum. The samples were rapidly frozen and stored
at -80.degree. C. until being prepared for analysis by gas
chromatography. For analysis, the samples were thawed and warmed to
40.degree. C., a temperature similar to that of the body
temperature of the animal. It is preferred that the samples be
handled at a temperature that does not exceed the body temperature
of the mammal.
Upon thawing of the samples, the air (vapor phase) above the whole
blood will contain the volatile compounds. The vapor phase provides
a natural process for separating the volatile compounds fraction
from the nonvolatile compounds fraction of the blood. Head-space
gas is withdrawn with an air-tight syringe that has been heated to
prevent carry-over of volatile compound which would otherwise
condense or adsorb on the glassware. The injection of air must be
small enough to achieve an injection that is rapid enough to
produce clearly resolved peaks. In the preferred method,
approximately 1 ml of air injected achieved a rapid injection
suitable for analyzing the volatile compounds.
The chromatographic temperature profile began at room temperature
in order to get retention and separation of the lower molecular
weight, more volatile compounds. The blood head space was injected
into the splitless port of a Hewlett Packard HP-5890 gas
chromatograph. A 10 m fused silica pre-column, in series with a 15
m HP-5 (Hewlett Packard) (0.53 mm I.D., film thickness 2.65 .mu.m)
and a 15 m BP-1 (SGE) (0.53 mm I.D., film thickness 5.0 .mu.m)
nonpolar columns were used. As an alternative, a 30 m DB-1 nonpolar
column (J & W Scientific, Folsom, Calif.) may be used.
Column temperature began at 30.degree. C. and was held at that
temperature for 10 minutes, followed by an increase of 4.degree. C.
every minute until a temperature of 110.degree. was reached. The
injector temperature was 180.degree. C. and flame ionization
detector (FID) temperature was 200.degree. C. The flow rate of the
helium carrier gas was 4.1 ml min.sup.-1. Peak areas were
calculated with the PC software "ChromPerfect" by Justice
Innovations, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif.
Acetaldehyde was eluted in the first few minutes at room
temperature as the third peak. The typical chromatographic profile
revealed an initial double peak followed by two clearly
distinguishable peaks. The peaks shown all eluted within 4 minutes
(when the column was still at room temperature). Day 0 is the day
when the cow stood for mounting, which is the typical behavioral
sign of bovine estrus. Day 0 was confirmed by rectal palpations of
the ovaries. Acetaldehyde increase on days -3 (3 days before
standing estrus) to -1 (one day before standing estrus).
In the first three cows studied in the spring and summer through
four cycles each, acetaldehyde increased several days before estrus
and then decreased. The changes in acetaldehyde in blood head space
(nmol.sup.-1) during four estrous cycles in three cows were
observed. In all cycles, the relative amounts of acetaldehyde
increased and then suddenly decreased at or near estrus. The size
of the peak representing acetaldehyde varied widely during the
cycle and among cows. However, all cows typically showed a similar
qualitative pattern of a rise and then fall in peak area at or near
the time of estrus (the day when cows will stand still for
mounting).
A "baseline" quantity of acetaldehyde appearing in samples was
found, although the quantity varied from animal to animal. "N"
signifies that the estrus was natural (not preceded by FSH and PG
injections). Absolute values were calculated from aqueous solutions
of authentic standards of acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde (peak 3) was
also found to be correlated with the sexual hormones estrogen and
progesterone. It was discovered that acetaldehyde increased the day
or so before estrogen rise until the day (+/-1) of standing estrus,
whereupon acetaldehyde decreased to low or undetectable levels.
Similarly, the changes of acetaldehyde in blood head space during
six estrous cycles in two other cows were observed. The relative
amounts of acetaldehyde again increased and then decreased at or
near estrus in all six cycles. The first estrus in both cows was
triggered by injection of FSH and PG. Similar results were observed
for both hormone-induced and natural ("N") estrus.
In all five cows the absolute amounts of acetaldehyde varied
greatly from cow to cow, but the qualitative patterns during
estrous cycles were similar. Near the time of estrus, there was a
sudden rise and then a sharp fall of blood acetaldehyde just prior
to standing estrus.
Acetaldehyde was confirmed as the low molecular weight volatile
compound by preliminary mass spectral analysis. The blood samples
were spiked with candidate compounds to determine which compound
co-eluted with the peak of interest. To collect sufficient quantity
of the compound for mass spectral identification, 10 ml aliquots of
blood were subjected to the following procedures in order to
determine whether the yield of acetaldehyde in the head space could
be increased:
1. Shaking the samples at 50.degree. C. for 3 min with a Mistral
Multi-mixer.
2. Heating samples to various temperatures, starting at 30.degree.
C. and increasing by 10.degree. C. up to 100.degree. C.
3. Leaving samples in a 90.degree. C. water bath for varying
lengths of time, starting with 10 min and increasing by 10 min up
to 60 min.
4. Samples with varied sample phase fraction (SPF), which refers to
the ratio of liquid to head-space volume in the sealed injection
vial, was varied from 33% to 40%, and from there, in 10% increments
to 90% SPF.
5. Samples had nanopure water added to their sealed vials, starting
with 2.5 ml and increasing by 2.5 ml up to 10 ml. The extra
pressure accumulated in the vials was not vented. The effect of
reducing water content of the sample by adding a molecular sieve
compound (60/80 mesh, Supelco, Bellefonte, Pa.) was also tested.
After sealing a vial containing the 0-4 g of sieve, 10 ml of air
was withdrawn nd the 10 ml of blood injected. Samples were frozen
and later tested under the standard conditions of standing for 30
minutes at 90.degree. C.
6. Samples has 1-4 g sodium chloride added, and were compared to
samples having 1-8 g potassium carbonate added. The salts were
added to frozen blood, which was sealed in the serum vial and then
allowed to thaw.
Shaking the samples had no effect on the quantity of acetaldehyde
in the head space. Heating samples to various temperatures,
starting at 30.degree. C. and increasing by 10.degree. C. up to
100.degree. C. produced approximately a ten-fold increase in
acetaldehyde quantity. Temperature effects on quantity of blood
head-space compounds were observed. Equilibrating samples in the
water bath produced only about a two-fold increase in acetaldehyde.
Increasing the percentage of total SPF in the sealed vial between
33% and 90% caused a slight increase in acetaldehyde quantity.
Adding or decreasing water to the blood had no effect on
acetaldehyde. Salting the blood with sodium chloride decreased the
yield of acetaldehyde. Adding potassium carbonate produced marked
increases in acetaldehyde peaks. Thus, heating the sample to higher
temperatures for longer amounts of time and the addition of
potassium carbonate increased the quantity of acetaldehyde present
in the head space. The sample preparation procedures differentially
affected the yield of blood volatile compounds. The analysis of
humoral fluid volatile compounds in other species will likely
benefit from optimizing sample handling procedures.
To collect sufficient quantity of acetaldehyde for mass spectral
identification, potassium carbonate (K.sub.2 CO.sub.3) was added to
the blood and the blood was heated for 30 minutes at 90.degree. C.,
as described above. Blood head-space gas was derivatized with
2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH) according to the following
procedures.
Frozen cow's blood (250 ml) was thawed in a water bath and 10 ml of
the blood added to twelve 30 ml glass vials. The vials were capped
and placed in a -60.degree. C. freezer for at least 1 h. The vial
caps were removed and 8 g of K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 was added to each
frozen sample. The vials were recapped and refrozen.
Ten mg DNPH was placed in a 0.3 ml glass micro-reaction vial with a
rubber septum screw-top lid and dissolved in glacial acetic acid.
The vial was then placed in an ice-water slurry, and the slurry and
vial placed in a -60.degree. C. freezer for at least 1 h. Three of
the 30 ml vials containing bulk blood were removed from the freezer
and allowed to thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes, shaken by
hand to mix the K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and blood, then placed in a
90.degree. C. water bath for 30 minutes.
The micro-reaction vial was removed from the freezer and a 22 gauge
needle pierced through the septum to allow a vent for excess
pressure. A blood sample was removed from the water bath and 5 ml
of head space sampled from it with a Hamilton Gas-Tight syringe,
equipped with the Thermo-Syringe (Reno, Nev.) set to 50.degree. C.
and a 22 gauge, 1 inch needle. The syringe's needle was then
pierced through the septum on the micro-reaction vial and down far
enough into the reaction mixture that the end of the needle entered
into the excess sediment of DNPH on the bottom of the vial.
The syringe was then put into a Sage Instruments (Cambridge, Mass.)
syringe pump. The pump was operated at 2.3 ml min.sup.-1, and all
the head-space sample bubbled through the reaction mixture. Head
space was sampled and injected into the DNPH three times from each
of the three vials, and then the micro-reaction vial was put back
into the freezer, and three more 30 ml vials of blood removed from
the freezer for thawing. After the final three 30 ml vials had been
sampled, the micro-reaction vial was put back in the freezer for 30
minutes. It was then removed and allow to thaw enough so that it
could be removed from the ice around it, and then was allowed to
warm to room temperature.
The reaction mixture was pulled into a 5 ml disposable syringe and
pushed back through a 0.2 .mu.m disposable syringe filter, with the
liquid part of the reaction mixture being collected. Two to three
drops of either acetone or hexanal were added to the liquid, and
the mixture sonicated for 5 minutes to react with whatever
unreacted DNPH may have been present. Hexanal was used because it
permitted a more rapid reaction with DNPH. The derivatives with
DNPH, however, took too long to elute from the HPLC column, which
was used to separate the derivatives. Acetone was therefore used in
HPLC runs, and the derivatized peaks collected as separate
fractions. An acetaldehyde-free control sample was processed with
the acetone procedure, which verified the absence of measurable
acetaldehyde contamination of the acetone.
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was performed
on a Hewlett-Packard Model 5970 GC/quadruple mass spectrometer
coupled to an HP model 5890 GC fitted with an HP Ultra-1
cross-linked methyl silicone microbore capillary column (12.5 m,
0.30 mm O.D., 0.20 mm I.D.). Mass spectral detector (MSD)
ionization was by electron impact at 70 eV, ion source (chamber)
temperature was 220.degree.-250.degree. C. The MSD was tuned (m/e
69, 219 and 502) with perfluorotri-n-butylamine (PFTBA), normalized
to decafluorotriphenylphosphine (DFTPP). The GC transfer line was
held at 280.degree. C. The GC was equipped with an on-column
injection system.
On-column injection was performed with a 10 .mu.l Hamilton syringe
fitted with a 10 cm fused silica needle (O.D. 0.17 mm). The system
was controlled by a HP Model 59970A work station. Conditions for
on-column injection and GC analysis were as follows: helium (head)
pressure 5.5 psi; detector 280.degree. C.; initial column
temperature held at 40.degree. C. for 1 minute, followed by ramping
at 25.degree. C. min.sup.-1 to a final temperature of 270.degree.
C. These conditions allowed clear separation of DNP derivatives of
acetone and acetaldehyde. To verify the effectiveness of
derivatization, we used HPLC to show the presence of reacted
products. HPLC conditions included use of a C 18 reversed-phase
column with methanol-water as the eluting solvent.
In some cows, there was also an early-eluting fifth peak. Mass
spectra of blood head-space that was derivatized with DNPH sample
and a comparably prepared acetaldehyde standard were studied. The
224 molecular ion is the sum of the mass of DNP (198) and
acetaldehyde (44) minus the mass of water, which is eliminated in
the reaction. The complete characteristic chromatographic profile
appeared 1-3 days prior to estrus.
Acetaldehyde peaks occurred in larger than normal amounts 1-3 days
prior to "standing heat" or day of estrus. Since mating behavior
occurs a few hours before ovulation, the estrous specific compounds
predict both estrus and ovulation. The methods used with regard to
bovines apply to any use in any mammalian species wherein one or
more humoral volatiles are used to predict and detect estrus in
animals or ovulation in humans. In humans, for example, the methods
could be used for developing a "rhythm method" birth control
diagnostic. The assay could also be used to improve success rates
with artificial insemination and embryo transfer, and with oocyte
maturation procedures.
EXAMPLE II
Head-space gas chromatography analysis was performed on 10 ml milk
samples following the analytical procedures described in Example I.
Milk samples were collected in the morning from four cows beginning
6 to 8 days prior to estrus. The results of head-space gas
chromatography analysis to determine the quantity of acetaldehyde
in the milk samples were observed.
There was a distinct rise and then fall in acetaldehyde quantities,
compared to the baseline quantities, just prior to the day of
observed behavioral signs of estrus (Day 0). A succession of
progressively increasing acetaldehyde peaks prior to estrus were
observed. This pattern was unusual, and was observed in only one
animal during one estrous cycle. The greatest increase, then
decrease in acetaldehyde in that animal, however, occurred just
prior to estrus. Thus, monitoring milk acetaldehyde levels would
enable predicting the occurrence of estrus and ovulation.
EXAMPLE III
Known chemical reagent tests may also be used to determine the
amount of acetaldehyde or other low molecular weight volatile
compounds subject to variation during the reproductive cycle
present in breath, body cavity air, humoral fluids, or the air
above humoral fluids, from humans and animals. In another
embodiment of the invention, air adsorbent tubes are used to trap
the low molecular weight volatile compound found in body cavity air
from the vaginal (reproductive) cavity of cows. The air adsorption
tubes (Supelco ORBO.TM.-25) contained an adsorbent and a packing
mesh (Supelpak 20N). The adsorbent, 2-(hydroxymethyl)piperidine,
reacts with acetaldehyde to trap the acetaldehyde in the mesh for
subsequent ultraviolet spectroscopy analysis. Acetaldehyde reacted
with 2-(hydroxymethyl)piperidine is stable and non-volatile, and
will absorb ultraviolet light at different wavelengths than when
unreacted; thus the quantity of acetaldehyde can be measured. Other
commercially available air adsorption tubes which may be used to
collect the samples include NAPH 226119 (SKC) and NAPH 22627 (SKC).
Acetaldehyde adsorption tubes containing DNPH or
1,3-cyclohexanedione are also available for collecting samples
containing acetaldehyde.
Vaginal air samples were collected from cows, beginning at
approximately day 15 or 16 of the 21 d estrous cycle. In the
preferred embodiment, samples were taken at 12 h intervals. In an
alternate method, samples may be taken at 24 h intervals. Samples
may be taken more frequently, if desired, to monitor the variations
in the quantity of the low molecular weight compound present in the
sample.
Vaginal air samples were collected by removing the glass seals from
an air adsorbent tube and fitting both ends of the tube with a
flexible hose. The free end of one of the flexible hoses was then
connected to a portable pump having a flow meter calibrated to draw
in 500 cc/min of air, for a total collection of a 5 l sample. A 5 l
air sample was found to provide sufficient quantities of low
molecular weight volatile compound for analysis.
The free end of the second flexible hose was positioned near the
vulva but outside of the vaginal cavity of the animal. Because of
the volatile nature of acetaldehyde, air collected from outside of
the animal's vaginal cavity contained sufficient quantities of
acetaldehyde for measuring. The low molecular weight compound
collected will be from the reproductive tract air and the vulval
gland secretions. Secretions from all skin glands would contain
some quantity of acetaldehyde, however, since all body fluid
compartments are in equilibrium.
Once the air sample was drawn through the air adsorption tube, the
tube was sealed at each end by removing the flexible hoses and
capping each end of the tube. The tubes containing the collected
sample are frozen in vapor nitrogen or according to recommended
procedures for the handling of the air adsorbent tube. The quantity
of low molecular weight compound was analyzed using standard
ultraviolet spectroscopy techniques.
Graphs of the quantity of acetaldehyde in vaginal air samples
obtained from three cows: Cow #1, Cow #2 and Cow #3, respectively,
were made. Sampling began during the proestrus phase of each
animal's estrous cycle. Samples were taken every 24 h from cow #1,
at 12 h intervals from cow #2, and at alternating 1 time/d and
twice/d from cow #3 during the collection period to monitor the
quantity of acetaldehyde present in the vaginal air. The sample
size was five 1 of vaginal air, collected at 500 cc/min. Each
sample was collected from outside the body of the animal at the
vulvar area, as described herein.
Vaginal air acetaldehyde peaks are shown to vary greatly with day
of sampling. However, the peak acetaldehyde quantity followed by a
rapid and sharp decline in acetaldehyde in vaginal air consistently
occurred at or near estrus. Estrus in all three cows was confirmed
by visual observations of standing mating behavior and metestrous
bleeding 3-4 days after the drop in acetaldehyde.
The significant quantities of acetaldehyde in vaginal air is
correlated with the stages of the estrous cycle. Observations of
acetaldehyde spikes in vaginal air will allow the prediction of
estrus and/or ovulation in animals and humans.
Since there are extremely dramatic variations in the amount of
individual volatile compounds present in body constituents, any
technique for measuring the quantity of the compound present, used
at spaced apart intervals throughout the cycle will produce an
indication of the quantity of the compound present at the time of
sampling.
In the alternative, body cavity air samples may be obtained from
within the body cavity. For example, the free end of the a tube
connected to the air adsorption tube described above may be
inserted into the vagina or cervix of a cow and an air sample drawn
through the tube. Although this method may be used to obtain
samples for monitoring the variations in the quantity of low
molecular weight compound in the body cavity air, it is not as
desirable from the standpoint that it will require more handling of
the animal, resulting in greater stress on the animal. The
collection of the sample will also have to be done more slowly so
as not to risk collapsing the body cavity as the sample is
drawn.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, body cavity air,
particularly vaginal (reproductive) cavity air, may be collected
using a kit. An air adsorption tube of the type described above in
this example is positioned in a cannula. The cannula may be made
from any substance, such as plastics, which will not irritate the
animal. The wall of the cannula may be of any thickness which will
not irritate the animal and must have an internal diameter suitable
to accommodate the air adsorption tube. Preferred dimensions for
the cannula are 20 cm in length and 2 cm outer diameter with a 2 mm
thick wall. A first end of the cannula will have a plurality of
holes. A second end of the cannula will be sealed at lid. A first
tubing will be connected to air adsorption tube, and exit lid
through a first orifice. Tubing is connected to a metered hand held
pump. Tubing may be a tygon tubing or other suitable tubing for
connecting the air adsorption tube to the pump. A second tubing is
connected to pump and enters the cannula through second orifice in
lid. The cannula containing the air adsorption tube is placed
approximately 10 cm into the vagina of the animal. Activation of
the pump draws body cavity air from the body cavity through holes
into the cannula and through air adsorption tube. Once the air is
drawn through the air adsorption tube, it passes through tubing,
through pump and then forced through tubing back into the cannula.
The flow of air back into the cannula will facilitate the movement
of air into the cannula at holes. Body cavity air samples should be
taken slowly so as not to rapidly evacuate the air and collapse the
cavity. Drawing 500 cc/min air for a total sample of 5 l of cavity
air is preferred. However, less sample may be collected to monitor
acetaldehyde quantities present since body cavity air samples taken
from inside the animal will not be influenced by barn or
environment air, as with samples drawn from outside the animal.
EXAMPLE IV
Humoral fluid samples may also be analyzed using batch mode
analyses, wherein a reagent which reacts with the low molecular
weight compound subject to variation during the reproductive cycle
being measured is added to a humoral fluid sample. The sample is
then processed to purify and quantify the reactant using standard
spectroscopic or fluorometric techniques.
Acetaldehyde quantities in milk samples collected during the
estrous cycle of cows have been measured and monitored to determine
the phase of the mammal's reproductive cycle and to predict
ovulation and estrus. Quantities of acetaldehyde in the samples
were measured using the following described procedures.
A 25 ml milk sample is collected and 2 ml saturated sodium chloride
(NaCl) and 20 ml hexane added. The milk, NaCl and hexane mixture is
shaken and allowed to stand for 5 min. The hexane layer separates
and will contain milk lipids. The top layer of hexane and lipids is
pipetted off and discarded. Proteins are precipitated from the
remaining sample by adding 7 ml of 3M potassium carbonate (K.sub.2
CO.sub.3) and centrifuging 5 min at 2000 g. The supernatant is
removed and 2.5 ml DNPH solution (1 mg/ml DNPH in 6M HCl) added.
The sample is then heated on a shaker at 60.degree. C. for 10 min
for the reaction to occur. The sample is filtered using standard
filter paper and 2 ml of filtrate slowly loaded into a C18
solid-phase extraction cartridge. The C18 cartridge is rinsed 1 min
with water, followed by 1 min with dilute acid (1% HCl). The
DNPH-acetaldehyde reactant diluted with 2 ml acetonitrile. This
step takes approximately 3 min. A 20 .mu.l sample of the
DNPH-acetaldehyde eluate is injected into an HPLC and read at UV
wavelength 360.
In alternate methods, 7 ml of 3M perchloric acid may be added
instead of 7 ml K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 to precipitate proteins. As
another alternative, 1,3-cyclohexanedione solution may be added
instead of DNPH solution. Other batch mode analyses of samples for
quantifying the quantity of acetaldehyde in a humoral fluid sample
will be known to those skilled in the art.
Batch processing milk and other humoral fluid samples to monitor
variations in the quantity of acetaldehyde or other low molecular
weight volatile compound subject to variation during the
reproductive cycle can easily be used to monitor reproductive
cycles in humans and animals.
EXAMPLE V
Air collected from above a humoral fluid may be analyzed to measure
the quantity of a low molecular weight volatile compound subject to
variation during the reproductive cycle. A kit for sampling the air
above humoral fluids, such as milk and blood, may be used to
monitor cycles. A humoral fluid sample is placed in a container,
which is then placed in a sonication bath. An air pump is used to
force air through tubing and into the sample, thereby increasing
the amount of low molecular weight volatile compound moving out of
the humoral fluid. The sonication bath further facilitates flushing
the low molecular weight volatile compound out of the humoral fluid
and into the air above the fluid. It is preferred that the
container be sealed with a lid, with tubing and an entry tube
passing through lid at a first orifice and a second orifice,
respectively. Sealing the container will reduce the escape of the
low molecular weight volatile compound.
The air above the humoral fluid is drawn into entry tube and
through an air adsorption tube by pump. The low molecular weight
volatile compound present in the air above the humoral fluid will
be trapped in the air adsorption tube. The air adsorption tube may
be any of the types described in Example III herein. Exit tube
connects the air adsorption tube to the pump. The flow of air from
the pump follows the path described into the humoral fluid and back
into the pump follows the path described.
It is preferred that a 5 l sample of air above the humoral fluid be
taken. The low molecular weight volatile compound trapped in the
air adsorption tube may be analyzed using the procedures described
in Example III herein. A larger or smaller volume may be taken,
however, if adequate for quantifying the low molecular weight
volatile compound using analytical techniques known to those in the
art.
EXAMPLE VI
Low molecular weight volatile compounds subject to variation during
the reproductive cycle may be measured by commercially available
electrochemical detectors. An electrochemical detector capable of
detecting and measuring a selected low molecular weight volatile
compound, such as acetaldehyde, can be attached to the tail area of
a cow. The electrochemical detector will measure the quantity of
the low molecular weight volatile compound in the air above skin
gland secretions in the area of the vulva as well as air emitting
form the reproductive cavity or vagina. The detector may be
designed to have an audio or visual means for signalling a change,
or alerting a herdsman that the quantities of acetaldehyde, or
other low molecular weight volatile compound present in body cavity
air and/or in air above skin gland secretions has reached a
particular level indicative of the peak observed near the time of
estrus and/or ovulation.
EXAMPLE VII
Low molecular weight volatile compounds subject to variation during
the reproductive cycle may also be monitored by measuring the
quantity of the compound in a sample obtained from the mouth of a
mammal. This method would be preferred for use in predicting
ovulation in humans. An oral collection pad may be used to collect
a sample of oral fluid with increased concentrations of serum
analytes. The swab would then be analyzed to determine the quantity
of low molecular weight volatile compound, such as acetaldehyde, in
the sample. Samples would be taken a multiple number of times,
beginning prior to ovulation, in order to monitor the variations in
the quantity of compound present in each sample. A sharp increase
in acetaldehyde, or other compound being monitored, followed by a
sharp decline in the amount of the compound, will enable predicting
the occurrence of ovulation.
The examples included are not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention. Other substitutions, modifications and
variations are apparent to those skilled in the art without
departing from the disclosure and scope of the invention.
* * * * *